A BRAND-NEW Stanwell Park playground is set to be a hit this summer, with the newly constructed site officially unveiled on Wednesday.

The new playground boasts an impressive list of features, including a tower and tube slide, inground trampoline and spinning carousel, while an accessible nest swing is one of five swings available. Children under five will also enjoy a pint-sized climbing fort.

The climbing net was a popular request from students at Stanwell Park Public School and Stanwell Park Pre-school, which was identified in the consultation during the planning phase.

The new site, alongside a nature play space, was made possible by NSW Government funding of $40,000 through the Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) grant program.

The site is designed to encourage children to explore nature, while encouraging curiosity, creativity, emotional resilience and enhancing wellbeing.

The first of its kind created in the Wollongong Local Government Area, Nature Play spaces invite children to find their own way to play and enjoy time with their friends away from the structure of modular play equipment.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the opening illustrates Council’s commitment to maintaining more than 150 play spaces for local children and their families.

“We know the value these spaces provide for the youngest members of our community, both to enjoy leisure time with their families but also to form new friendships and connections,” Cr Bradbery said.

“The benefits of outdoor play to both the physical and mental health of children are well established, and Council is committed to providing these opportunities, as well as facilities that foster a sense of community and belonging.

“The diverse range of valuable recreational spaces Council constructs and maintains vary in size and scale but all are of equal importance to the local neighbourhoods in which they are located.

“Ensuring these sites are maintained and accessible remains a top priority.”

Wollongong Council General Manager Greg Doyle welcomed the NSW Government’s grant funding that supported the delivery of the new Nature Play space.

“Council is committed to upgrading and improving the playgrounds we have across our city and we are grateful for the NSW Government’s investment in an innovative new play space for our kids,” Mr Doyle said.

“We continue to look for opportunities to partner with the NSW Government on the delivery of important community-focussed projects throughout our suburbs that help to create more great facilities for local families to enjoy.”

State MP for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said the freshly unveiled play space was shining example of what partnership between the NSW Government and local councils can achieve.

“The new Stanwell Park Playground is an exciting addition to our community, giving local families a fantastic space to explore, play, and stay active,” Ms Stuart said.

“This state-of-the-art playground, with its range of equipment and features, will be a big hit this summer and beyond.

“Our local parks and playgrounds are a place where families can come together, children can make friends, and everyone can enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is committed to building stronger and healthier communities.

“It was wonderful to see the children from the local preschool and the Stanwell Park Primary School have so much fun today when we cut the ribbon to open the new playground. As we continue to invest in our local parks and playgrounds, I look forward to seeing how the Stanwell Park Playground brings families together, creating happy memories for years to come.

“It’s an exciting step forward for our community and a testament to the power of partnership between the NSW Government and local council.”

For more information visit Council’s website or call (02) 4227 7111.

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